She said the decision to cut €26m from home-help and homecare packages was a joint one between the HSE and the Department of Health.

She said the number of home-help hours was being reduced by 600,000, but there would still be 10.1m home-help hours available to those caring for the sick, elderly and disabled at home.

Staff shortages fears at Sligo General Hospital

The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation has said that it is seriously concerned at staffing levels at Sligo General Hospital.

INMO Industrial Relations Officer for the area, Maura Hickey said:"It was obvious that nursing staff were working so short and facing unmanageable workloads, without the time to ensure all patient care plans were fully implemented or the time to consult with each other on clinical matters."

The union said medical wards are particularly affected by the current situation, which is resulting in increased risk to patients and staff alike.